With over 20 years of experience covering the Steelers for the Observer-Reporter, Dale Lolley will let you know the insider scoop. Dale can also be heard on the Steelers radio network pre-game show on WDVE-FM game days and Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. on ESPN 970-AM and WDVE during the season as a host of the Antonio Brown Show. Follow him on Twitter at @dlolleyor

28 comments:

Typical Ben has to announce to the media about an injury. Not sure why he does this, whether he is looking for sympathy or whatnot, but its becoming an annual tradition. As long as he plays well I guess it doesn't matter.

Can you talk about the evolving roles of the players in the secondary. Is Keenan Lewis still the nickel with Cortez Allen the dime? Ryan Mundy getting seem be getting a lot of snaps too, but who's expense?

Dale,I realize that Hines Ward sat out the last game due to an injury, but I think it's undeniable that as far as talent goes the youngsters are beginning to push him aside. Do you think its time for the old lion to sit in the shade and let the younger players start or does Hines still take on the roll of #2 receiver?

When Favre plays with an injury he's a tough guy, when Ben does it he's a cry baby.

I guess it would be better if he left giving injury updates to the HC or some other staff member but Tomlin never seems to mention any injury Ben has. Lately Ben seems to be trying to hide when he's hurt or downplay it, so I don't think he deserves the "drama queen" label he has gotten.

he is a baby about his injuries. He always wants to be the wounded hero and its getting old.

How many times do you see him flap around on the field for thirty seconds, limp back to the huddle and run a good play? And if the coach or team doesn't announce an injury, he makes sure the world knows.

i too find it annoying, but i also do not know the circumstances around it being announced.

was #7 asked or did he offer it up? was he of the mindset "do you believe i broke my thumb again" or "look at me, i'm hurt, but i think i can still play." i think that matters.

also, isn't the nfl the only league where injuries and injury status must be reported (for the book makers obviously)? if #7 doesn't bring it up, aren't the steelers required to at somepoint anyway? i don't know how that works.

I think coaches only have to disclose that information if impacts a players practice availability or gameday status. Like Dale said, no reason to do so on a bye week, especially from a player. Unless the player wanted the attention.

As was said above, nobody is questioning Ben's toughness. He has played through numerous injuries. Its just that he wants the media/fans to know about them. That's one thing that seperates him from other QBs and players in general. By this time of year, pretty much everybody is playing with some sort of injury, but Ben is one of the few disclosing it to the media.

Hood had to fill in on the opposite side for Keisel earlier in the year and was ineffective, then gave him a pass because he was playing out of position. I think the same should apply for Timmons he's had to move all over the field filling in at both OLB and struggling to find his mojo on the inside. Definitely not playing up to his contract though. Just an observation.